Wampum: It's just about Indian casinos, doncha know?

There's a little group in Oklahoma named One Nation United. Well, to be honest, they're part of a now larger, national coalition, with organizations in California, Washington and New York.

[...]

Their Issues?

Taxation - It is legal for tribal businesses to sell goods to tribal members without local, state and federal taxes. It is illegal for tribal businesses to sell goods to non-tribal members with no tax or reduced tax...

Casino Gambling - Tribal casino gambling expansion too often results in harm to surrounding communities' quality of life, as well as having negative impacts on our state and local tax base...

Environmental Regulation - Tribal governments can attain federal authority for water and/or air quality programs...

Political Contributions - Tribal leaders and members should be involved in the state and nation's political process. However, they should be held to the same state laws prohibiting corporate contributions and requiring that contributors and contributions be reported to the state Ethics Commission and the Federal Election Commission...

Their founding members?

Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association
Oklahoma Petroleum Marketers Association
Oklahoma Farm Bureau
Southern Oklahoma Water Alliance
Oklahoma Grocers Association
United Property Owners

So just why are oil companies so concerned with Indian casinos?

Next question? What, if any, are Ralph Reed's ties to One Nation United?

[Update: I should probably note that there are a lot of federal Indian Trust lands in Oklahoma. And a lot of oil too, under those lands.]